Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 89

1-4: The LORD’s graciousness and covenant with David

5-10: The LORD’s awesome power in heaven and on earth

11-14: His strong arm and just character

15-18: The blessedness of His people

19-29: His everlasting covenant with David

30-37: His promise to David’s descendants

38-45: His rejection and devastation of His people

46-51: Appealing to His covenant mercies

52: The Lord’s blessedness forever!

This Maskil of Ethan extensively recounts the LORD’s awesome power and covenant with David before turning to consider Israel’s present predicament – torn and plundered by all and sundry! 

It is a psalm of faith asking the LORD honest questions amidst circumstances that contradict His covenant promises. He closes with an appeal to God’s covenant mercies and a declaration of His blessedness.

This psalm closes out Book 3 of Psalms, consisting largely of psalms of Asaph and the Korahites. They reflect on Israel’s misery and devastation, teaching us how to maintain faith while handling grief and pain.